In addition to the World Aquatics, the European Swimming League (Ligue Européenne de Natation; LEN) has also named Gergő Zalánki as the best men’s water polo player of 2023. According to a statement from the organization on Thursday, the final ranking was determined by a combination of fan votes (30 per cent) and votes from LEN members and the technical committee (70 per cent).
Zalánki becomes the third Hungarian to clinch the title at the LEN, following Péter Biros in 2008 and Dénes Varga in 2013.
Last season, the 29-year-old left-handed player achieved remarkable success at the club level, securing victories in the Italian championship, the Italian Cup, and the Champions League with Pro Recco. Additionally, he triumphed in the World Cup with the Hungarian national team in Fukuoka, where he earned the title of the tournament’s best player. It comes as no surprise that Zalánki also contributed significantly to the victory, scoring four goals in the final against Greece. Throughout the tournament, the
Hungarian star notched up impressive statistics, scoring a total of 19 goals, providing 15 assists, and making 8 steals.
Born in Eger, Gergő Zalánki began his career in his hometown, playing for ZF-Eger until 2016. In 2012, he achieved a silver medal at the U18 World Championship with the Hungarian national team. Continuing his success, he contributed to another podium finish in 2015, securing a third-place at the U20 World Championships. Later that year, he made his senior debut against Georgia. From 2019 to 2021, he played for Ferencváros, where he won numerous league titles and a Champions League title with the team.
Subsequently, he was signed by the Italian club Pro Recco in the summer of 2021. He won the Champions League in 2022 and 2023. He was European champion in 2020 and Olympic bronze medallist in 2021 with the national team. He also won a European Championship title with the Hungarian national team in 2020 and an Olympic bronze medal in 2021.
In an interview with Eurosport last December, Zalánki reflected on this year’s unprecedented success, stating: ‘It’s unbelievable, I don’t know if I’ll have another year like this.’ He acknowledged the forthcoming challenges, particularly highlighting the next eight months as the most demanding period ahead, alluding to the Paris Olympics scheduled to commence at the end of July. Regarding the summer competition, he expressed optimism about the Hungarian national team’s prospects, noting the presence of 5–6 players capable of delivering world-class performances. Zalánki emphasized: ‘If the rest of the team can perform at a good level and win their own match-ups, we can defeat any opponent. But it will be tough.’ Underscoring their ambition, he concluded:
‘The goal is Olympic gold.’
At the Paris Olympics, the Hungarian national team will compete in Group B against Spain, Australia, Japan, Serbia, and the hosts, France.
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